'Obamacare' opposition fading

Support for full repeal of national health care reform has faded in recent months.

As for repeal, only about one in four say they want to do away with the law completely. Among Republicans support for repeal has dropped sharply, from 61 percent after the elections to 49 percent now.

Also, 43 percent say they want the law changed so it does more to re-engineer the health care system. Fewer than one in five say it should be left as it is.

The stats display an important nuance that was often left out of the media narrative on the midterm elections: The disappointment with health care reform came from the left as well as from the right. Opposition to the health care bill never would have exceeded 50 percent if not for the liberals who believed it represented a sell-out to the insurance industry.

This, of course, does not mean the GOP will not hold a symbolic vote on repealing the bill. It is still an extremely important vote to its most active supporters, including the Tea Party contingent.

Follow The Sconz on Twitter or Facebook to get regular updates on city and state politics. Please send anonymous tips, interview requests or any other comments to jcraver@isthmus.com.